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If you lived through the ’90s as a sentient teenager, fewer things were more exciting than the approach of Y2K: the colloquial name for the impending computer glitch that would halt the world as we knew it right at the turn of the century. These days the expression is less about data entry errors and more about fashion: It’s synonymous with butterfly clips, Bratz dolls, and everything Britney. But how exactly do you dress Y2K in 2022?
The early-aughts style revival is alive and well at brands like Maisie Wilen, AREA, Miaou, Mirror Palais, and Simon Miller in the form of baby tees, pleated miniskirts, bandage dresses, and flares with '00s-inspired details like lettuce-hem trim. (A choker, blue eye shadow, and shiny brown lip gloss can complete the look.)
What Is the Y2K Aesthetic?
If there’s any single word that sums up the Y2K aesthetic, it’s playful. Think of Britney’s ...Baby One More Time album cover or any Delia’s catalog you may have feverishly flipped through in 2001. At the heart of the Y2K fashion revival is the lightheartedness of a more innocent time—and probably also Euphoria’s reign. That means short minidresses sometimes paired with chunky boots and crystal-embellished everything. Other interpretations include Tom Ford’s era-defining designs toward the end of his reign at Gucci, which means satin dresses cut on the bias, low-slung trousers, and even sexy, gem-encrusted black leather slingbacks—a look that started in the ’90s and was reinvigorated with a little more personality in the early aughts.
Y2K Outfit Inspiration
Trying to glean some Y2K outfit inspiration? Here are a few interpretations of the look that became synonymous with the early aughts, plus the best pieces to shop to get the Y2K fashion look.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Bustier Tops
A bustier worn open at the midriff is the ultimate '00s staple.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Matching Minis
Opt for a matching set with a mini-mini.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Chokers
Whether you opt for a slim silk scarf or an actual choker, this is the early-aughts iteration of the trend.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Low-Slung Belts
A low-slung belt—especially when paired with a tube top—is major aughts vibes.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Pleated Miniskirts
A pleated miniskirt feels particularly nostalgic, especially when paired with knee-high boots.
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Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt (Classic Colors)
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Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt (Classic Colors)
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Baby Tees
A baby tee is inherently early aughts, but double down with accessories for a complete straight-from-2002 look.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Baguette Bags
Is there anything more synonymous with the early aughts than a baguette bag?
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Mini Florals
Sure, florals aren't really grounded in any single decade, but if the '90s saw large-format, inky styles, the '00s iteration is a tinge brighter.
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Puppets and Puppets Tulip Burnout Halter Midi Slip Dress
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Tube Tops
Who says a tube top has to mean baring it all? Get in on the trend by layering too.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Hardware Everywhere
Hardware like safety pins and embellished clips were everywhere in the early aughts.
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Sami Miro Vintage Victorian Safety Pin Cardigan
Lauren Caruso
Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, consultant, and digital media strategist that splits her time between NYC and Los Angeles. She has more than ten years of experience within the publishing industry with a focus on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with tenures at Refinery29, Allure, and The Zoe Report.
The Y2K aesthetic refers to the fashion and style trends that were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is characterized by playful and lighthearted elements, often associated with a more innocent time. The Y2K fashion revival includes various trends such as baby tees, pleated miniskirts, bandage dresses, flares, and accessories like chokers and baguette bags. Brands like Maisie Wilen, AREA, Miaou, Mirror Palais, and Simon Miller have embraced the early-aughts style in their collections [[1]].
The Y2K aesthetic draws inspiration from iconic figures like Britney Spears and the Delia's catalog, as well as the influence of Euphoria. It encompasses short minidresses paired with chunky boots, crystal-embellished clothing, and Tom Ford's era-defining designs at Gucci, which featured satin dresses, low-slung trousers, and gem-encrusted black leather slingbacks [[1]].
If you're looking for Y2K outfit inspiration, here are some key elements and pieces to consider:
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Bustier Tops: A bustier worn open at the midriff was a staple of the early 2000s. You can find modern interpretations of this trend from brands like With Jéan [[2]].
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Matching Minis: Opt for a matching set with a mini skirt for a nostalgic Y2K look. Brands like Miaou offer stylish options [[4]].
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Chokers: Chokers were a popular accessory in the early 2000s. You can choose between a slim silk scarf or an actual choker to add an authentic touch to your outfit. Saint Laurent offers a skinny buckled choker [[6]].
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Low-Slung Belts: Pairing a low-slung belt with a tube top can give you major early-aughts vibes. Diesel offers the B-Dechain belt that fits this aesthetic [[8]].
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Pleated Miniskirts: A pleated miniskirt is a nostalgic choice, especially when paired with knee-high boots. Los Angeles Apparel offers a tennis skirt that captures the Y2K look [[10]].
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Baby Tees: Baby tees were a popular trend in the early 2000s. Fiorucci offers a lips baby tee that embodies the Y2K style [[12]].
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Baguette Bags: Baguette bags were a staple accessory of the early 2000s. Les Petit* Joueurs offers the Cindy Baguette Bag for a touch of nostalgia [[14]].
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Mini Florals: While florals aren't specific to any single decade, the Y2K iteration tends to be brighter and more vibrant. Puppets and Puppets offer a tulip burnout halter midi slip dress that captures this aesthetic [[16]].
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Tube Tops: Layering a tube top is a trendy way to embrace the Y2K style. Tibi offers a cashmere tube top that can be incorporated into your outfit [[18]].
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Hardware Everywhere: Hardware details like safety pins and embellished clips were popular in the early 2000s. Sami Miro Vintage offers a Victorian safety pin cardigan that adds a touch of nostalgia to your look [[20]].
Remember, the Y2K aesthetic is all about embracing playful and lighthearted fashion choices from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Have fun experimenting with different elements and creating your own unique Y2K-inspired outfits!
